Attended the UK Pool Open this weekend, and it was a bit of a rollercoaster experience.
First, the positives: it was amazing to spend the weekend with my family, watch some incredible pool being played, and meet some genuinely wonderful fans. The players put on a fantastic show, and the community around the sport was as friendly and welcoming as ever.
Unfortunately, the event itself left a lot to be desired. The venue was disappointing, with toilets that were consistently flooded, broken sinks, and a lack of basic supplies like soap. The main hall was extremely hot with very poor airflow, making it uncomfortable for both players and spectators.
Seating was also a major issue. Unless you arrived early, you were often left standing for long periods, which wasn't very accessible for elderly attendees or those with disabilities. The event regularly ran behind schedule, and communication around timings and updates could have been much clearer.
As a fan, it felt like the bare minimum had been done when it came to looking after spectators, which was disappointing considering the quality of talent on display. I genuinely felt for the fans who had travelled and paid to be there.
The sport, players, and community deserve better. Despite the frustrations, I'm grateful for the memories made, the people I met, and the opportunity to watch some world-class pool.
@MatchroomPool
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